Never owned one, but I don't think badly about anyone who does at all. In fact, I'm sure most people use them for decoration and sleep. At least, that's what I would do. I used to have two normal body pillows about ten years ago, but I got rid of them. I amy get one here pretty soon though because my body aches sleeping on either side and it causes me to lose sleep. I can only sleep on my back, but I always wake up with neck pain. Not sure id I would get, say, a Haruhi Suzumiya one though because i still live with family and I do not get the best of privacy.

Wait, are body pillows with male anime characters being deliberately overlooked (CR is even currently selling three), and why are body pillows guaranteed to be used as masturbatory materials by their owners? More strangely, that they're guaranteed to be used as downright sex toys?
From another angle, I wonder why it's inherently wrong to do so in the first place? Are pillows and/or anime characters somehow sacred, as opposed to more conventional sexual paraphernalia, other humans, and our hands? Why am I typing so many questions (because I'm bored enough)? Anyway...

No, I don't mind them. Yes, I want to get at least one. No, not for sleep and/or masturbatory purposes (better options for both). Instead, my incentives are; general amusement, decorative use, along with some potential as eye-candy. I'm particularly aiming for Grimmjow and Sanosuke Harada body pillows.

i have a few. i need to hold someone or something when i sleep, so a body pillow is the perfect thing to grab on to. no, the covers with all the anime ladies is just cute.nothing sexual happens with or to them for reasons 1. they're expensive as shit and 2. thats what i have tinder for. and believe it or not, most of the ladies that see my room seem to love them, so theres that.

So I am confused because I've seen some people make a difference between actual Japanese body pillows and I would guess U.S. versions? Is there a real difference or just the cover? Is there a way to rate body pillows in quality and does being from Japan mean its going to be better (other than the obvious awesome factor)? Where would you go to buy one from Japan anyway if you're in the U.S.? So many questions!

In response to the OP: No problems with body pillows here. I've considered getting one before since I heard they are great to help you sleep and if you want a favorite anime or manga character on there then go for it! No different to be than having a football team logo on your blanket or college symbol on your pillows.

I actually have a body pillow, and I think it's silly that people assume that everyone who has one is a creep.
I've never actually done anything filthy to them because of how expensive they are and find it amazing that some people do. It's more of a collectors personally.
I wouldn't sleep with one currently (I hang my covers on the wall) if it weren't for having very bad separation anxiety and my boyfriend tends to go away a few nights a week. So I turn on the electric blanket and snuggle up to a huge satin pillow. It's essentially a comfort teddy.

Dakimakura (body pillows) are just cute to have! And too expensive to do anything H with. (I'm not even sure how that would work)

I have one of my waifu, and my wife has one of her waifu and her husbando. (I'm still not sure if this arrangement is equitable lol)

Also for people looking to buy one in the US:
Only import the cover. For the inner pillow, go to Target, get the "Room Essentials" body pillow for $9.99. It's only a few inches shorter than an actual Japanese daki pillow. You don't really notice if the characters toes aren't completely filled out perfect.